AMRITSAR: The SGPC has requested the central government to j use its good offices to obtain the release of two Sikhs and to restore Guru Granth Sahib allegedly taken in custody by the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during a congregation at Sikh’s house at Abu Dhabi recently.
Ina letter to the Union Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr V.C. Shukla the SGPC secretary Mr Manjit Singh expressed concern at the action of the government of the UAE and said the sacred book was taken in custody along with Mr Jaswant Singh and Mr Iqbal Singh charging them with holding a religious congregation at their house in violation of the Islamic rules of that state.
The letter dated Jan 18 was released to the Press here. The SGPC secretary pointed out that the two Sikhs were merely observing their “maryada” (religious duties) and paying obeisance to Guru Granth Sahib and not propagating anything against the state religion.
“The observance of one’s own religious rites cannot be termed as a crime by any stretch of the imagination” he pointed out.
Mr Manjit Singh has requested Mr Shukla to take up the matter with the U.A.E. government at the earliest as the case had already been referred to the Islamic Court of UAE and the hearing was on Jan 19.
Mr Manjit Singh wanted the Minister to convey to him information about the action taken by the Indian government.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 8, 1991
